There is some evidence that what we know of as Chateau Ferrande today was first planted by the ancient Romans, as they were active in the region at the time. The estate takes its name from the founder the property, the Ferrande family. Vineyards were probably cultivated during the 17th and 18th centuries.

It was during those times that the vineyards began to expand. The Ferrande family sold the property in the 1960’s to the Delnaud family.

Shortly after the Delnaud family became full time owners of Chateau Ferrande, a deal was soon made between the Delnaud family and the powerful Castel group to manage the estate through a leasing arrangement. By 1992, the Castel group agreed to purchase Chateau Ferrande in full.

The Castel group is a massive company. They are active in Bordeaux as a negociant and they also own several other vineyards, most notably Chateau Beychevelle in the St. Julien appellation. Since their original purchase, the Castel group has managed to more than double the size of the vineyards for Chateau Ferrande.

The large 90 hectare vineyard of Chateau Ferrande is planted for both red wine grapes and white wine grapes. 84 Hectares of vines are used for red wine grapes, which are planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. 6 hectares of vines are reserved for white wine grape varieties, which are planted to an even split of 50% Semillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc.

The terroir is sand, rocks, gravel and clay soils. The newer plantings in the vineyards are done at a higher level of vine density of 9,000 vines per hectare. On average, the vines are roughly 30 years of age. During harvest, the red wine grapes are picked by machine. However, the white wine grapes are harvested by hand.

For the red wine of Chateau Ferrande, vinification takes place in large, stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. The wines are aged in an average of 20% new, French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months before bottling.

For the white Bordeaux wine of Chateau Ferrande, vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks. There is no malolactic fermentation or skin contact. The white wine is aged in tank.

There is a second wine, Chateau Guillon. On average, the large production is close to 35,000 cases of wine per year of Chateau Ferrande.

Chateau Ferrande can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. Young vintages can be decanted for about 1 hour. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Ferrande offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 4-8 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Ferrande, with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Ferrande is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The red wine of Chateau Ferrande is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted braised and grilled dishes. Chateau Ferrande is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms and pasta as well as cheese. The white wine of Chateau Ferrande is a perfect wine to serve with shellfish, sashimi, sushi, all types of seafood, chicken, veal and cheese.

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